Love your Neighbors – How to Show Alaskan Neighborly Love
During the month where we celebrate love we wanted to take a moment to talk about how we can show our love for our neighbors. We are all getting through this pandemic together and even though we can’t always safely be physically together there are many ways that we can engage our neighbors and get to know them. Giving makes all of us happy, and makes the recipient feel loved, appreciated and thought of. How can you and your family show the love this month?
Baked Goods – Drop off cookies, pastries, cakes, cupcakes
Baking is therapeutic and reduces stress and anxiety. Taking the time to create something delicious for your neighbors will show them that you’re thinking of them and we are all in this together! If you happen to know allergies, you can take that into consideration, otherwise it can be helpful to include a note of any ingredients included that could be an allergy or find a recipe that is allergy safe! Take the time to wrap the items with cellophane, ribbons, or cute boxes for that extra touch, as well as to keep it safe if you need to leave it on the doorstep for them.
Leave notes on doors or mail a handmade card
We all appreciate handwritten, hand drawn notes, or homemade cards. You can leave your creation on the neighbor’s doorstep or even if your neighbor lives right next door you can drop a card in the mail (Who doesn’t love mail?!) You can create a little note just letting your neighbor know that they are on your mind. If you’ve taken up watercolor during this pandemic you can create a picture or a card especially for them.
Breakfast Gift Basket
Who doesn’t love breakfast!? How about putting together a fun basket for them? You can include: Coffee, Tea, Pancake Mix, Maple Syrup, Jam, Muffin Mix, even fresh eggs and ready to cook bacon (if they are home of course).
Zoom Game Night
Invite your neighbors to join your family for a zoom game night! There are many games that can be played over zoom using your phones as the device. You can also do a puzzle together at the same time, this is great for older ones. This will give you time to visit and get to know your neighbors in a safe space.
Talk to them
One of the best gifts we can give is the listening ear. There are many people that live alone, are older, or are isolated from family and friends for various reasons. Pandemic or not, it is loving and kind to take even a moment to engage our neighbors and provide them with the kindness of conversation. Respecting social distancing, you can greet them when they are outside, call them on the phone or zoom them, or stand a safe distance at the door when weather permits.
Offer to shop for senior neighbors
One of the simplest kindnesses is to offer to pick up things from the store or pharmacy for your high-risk neighbors. If you’re already heading to the store, or if you have time for the extra trip, this simple kindness will mean the world to them.
Showing love to our neighbors here in Alaska is something any one of us can do and can remind us that despite how this pandemic may make us feel, we are never truly alone or isolated. All we need is love.